Rachel Harris And The Joy Of The Project
Rachel Harris And The Joy Of The Project
Hello, I’m Rachel Harris, this week’s guest editor for The Beehive Newsletter.
Hello, I’m Rachel Harris, this week’s guest editor for The Beehive Newsletter. A little about me: I grew up in Sandy, Utah, and while I did live in Arizona for a couple years, my main stomping ground has been this great state of soda shops–er, I mean skiing resorts. Provo, Orem, Sandy, Tooele, Tabiona, and Murray are just a few of the places I’ve called home.
I’m a professional writer and editor, and I’ve been working from home since before it was cool, circa 2015. I also have my own book editing business from which I find great enjoyment. I’m married, so while I’m not on the hunt for a man, I definitely appreciate making new friends and convincing them to have tea with me (Bengal Spice is my favorite). My husband works in mental health and I sure do love the guy, but even when your spouse is a therapist, they still have their annoying habits—like leaving to poop right as you put dinner on the table, for instance. It’s a heavy cross to bear, but I manage. Last but never least, I’m mother to two rambunctious little boys and a golden doodle named Hopper. So you could say I’ve really got it going on.
As I considered what to write about this week, I was struck by all that’s going on in the world. I chose, perhaps ill-timed, to take a little break from social media recently. But that didn’t stop me from reading this highly entertaining trivia about how Winnie the Pooh got his name. Little did we know how influential a random and fairly boring Canadian city would be to our childhood and beyond, but there you have it. Perhaps you’re a Paddington fan, and you’re busy celebrating the little bear’s triumph over Citizen Kane as the highest rated film on Rotten Tomatoes. If you’re a fan of any type of fictional, daft bear, you’re good by me.
While we’re on the subject of things that make me happy, I can’t resist sharing this German museum’s world-record-breaking musical train. It’s a model train rigged to play successive notes via glasses of water! If you think your pandemic project was labor intensive, prepare to be blown away. It’s inspiring AND charming! Definitely better than the sixteen Harry Potter hobby wands I just finished sealing for my son’s birthday party. But this little train playing actual music reminds me that sometimes a project is just for the joy of the project. If this pandemic has taught me anything, it’s that not everything has to be utilitarian. Well done, Miniatur Wunderland staff!
I’d like to highlight a Utah organization that is doing some good things for our state: The INN Between is a charitable organization that offers hospice and recovery care to people experiencing homelessness in the Salt Lake area. If you’ve ever suffered a health crisis of your own, you’ll agree that it’s an extremely vulnerable time. But to people in this specific situation, it’s obviously even more so. I found out about The INN Between from my husband, who despite his annoying habits is a phenomenal social worker. There are myriad ways to give, including secure online donations, volunteering, or gathering items from their wish list. So give if you can—it’s certainly a worthy cause.
Some of my favorite things right now include peaceful pictures of cows on Sam Neill’s Instagram. No matter where you are in life, I promise Sam Neill’s pastoral pics are a nice bp reducer. As for podcasts, I always enjoy the confessions and petty judgments from Madi Murphy of The Bad Broadcast, where she gives it to you straight, no matter what. My current reading attempt is Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible and it ain’t bad, although it hits a little close to home. I’m watching the seventh and final season of TV Land’s Younger and I honestly can’t figure out why they’re blowing up every relationship this late in the game, but I’m here for it. As for hobbies that get you away from a screen, I enjoy hiking and did the Lagoon Trail (more of a walk) for the first time today. Despite the fallen trees from the terrifying storm back in September, it’s still pretty shady and good for dogs and strollers, in case you’re wondering.
Despite the hurricane winds last year (?!) and some hail, I really love that I can find hiking spots almost anywhere in Utah, as well as someone to share a smile with on every trail. I mean, it’s spring in Utah, which means things are looking up (and it’ll probably snow five more times)! So keep smiling. Unless someone tells you to, of course. Then you should absolutely scowl.
Wishing you a satisfying week,
Rachel (one of many)
@raeturnip on twitter, instagram, and editor at www.metaedits.com
The Beehive Newsletter is a community-based weekly newsletter that provides a platform for Utahns to share the stories and events that are unique and important to them individually. From politicians and high school students, to farmers and health-care workers, our Guest Editors change weekly, providing diverse perspectives and overlooked stories from every corner of the state.
If you’re interested in becoming The Beehive Newsletter’s next Guest Editor, email Rachel Swan at rachel@thebeehive.com.